CLEARWATER – Student athletes can get a jump on ensuring they are in good health for high school sports next fall. Morton Plant Mease’s sports medicine program is providing physicians, certified athletic trainers, and physical therapists to offer Pinellas County high school student athletes with free sports physicals.

The exam includes checks of height, weight, blood pressure, vision, lungs, and musculoskeletal system. If a student is found to have a medical condition that needs additional treatment, the student will be referred to a specialist for a follow-up at a later date.

The physicals will be on a first-come, first-served basis. All student athletes are required by the Florida High School Athletic Association to complete a physical evaluation before participating in high school sporting activities. A parent or legal guardian must accompany students under the age of 18, or registration forms must be pre-signed. Bring or wear eyeglasses or contact lenses if you use them. The exams done by Morton Plant Mease are complimentary, however a small fee may be required by some schools to support their booster club.